The New 2019 Jetta GLI
July 17 2019, Max Landi - TheDriveGuyde
OVERVIEW
2019 VW Jetta GLI
In the world of affordable performance cars, the VW Golf GTI is famed for being amongst the best. A compact hatchback with all of the practicality and performance anyone at any point in their lives can take advantage of. But if there are buyers looking for a sedan over a hatchback, VW happily supplies the GLI as the alternative. For 2019, the Jetta GLI returns with major performance upgrades over its standard configuration. The current generation of Jetta arrived in Canada for the 2018 model year, now based up the MQB modular platform that underpins close to all of the VW's vehicles on sale today. As the Jetta is now based upon the same structure as the Golf, the GLI carries over many mechanical components of the GTI too.
The sole engine choice available for the Jetta is a 2.0L turbocharged four cylinder engine that produces 228hp and 258lb/ft of torque. This powerful engine can be mated with a six speed manual transmission or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Both transmissions will offer launch control and the various driving modes that add to the character of the GLI. 2019 also marks a significant year for the Jetta as it is celebrated with the 'GLI 35' edition. This special addition celebrating the vehicles 35th year of production is a trim above the entry-level GLI in the shape of an appearance package over the standard GLI of which contains a comprehensive list of equipment. That list includes the heated front and rear seats, the large touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the Digital Cockpit, dual zone climate control, the dynamic dampers and the mechanically limited slip differential, just to name a few. The GLI 35 will add some black accents on the Jetta's exterior such as the roof, wing mirrors and a tack-on spoiler on the trunk lid. GLI 35 badges are tastefully placed throughout the exterior and interior but the most noticeable visual change are the black and red 18'' wheels.
As a performance car, the GLI offers lots of grunt and ease of accessibility. It isn't a challenging car to drive or master with a strong throttle response and light electrically assisted power steering. The turbocharger is prominent throughout the rev range, releasing all the joyful noises that a small displacement turbocharged engine provides. As it based on an economy class car, the Jetta still has all of the merits of one. Lots of space inside, a fantastically large trunk capacity and class-leading refinement and road isolation.
The new Jetta GLI is now available at Country Hills VW, see it for yourself today at the dealership today in Calgary's northeast.
